(−)-Pseudoephedrine as a sympathomimetic drug

Abstract

The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions which include (-)-pseudoephedrine and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the (-)-pseudoephedrine is substantially-free of (+)-pseudoephedrine. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods of relieving nasal and bronchial congestion and of inducing pupil dilation which include administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of (-)-pseudoephedrine to a mammal. The (-)-pseudoephedrine used in the present methods is substantially free of (+)-pseudoephedrine and also substantially free of side effects caused by administration of (+)-pseudoephedrine.

What is claimed:  
     
       1. A method of relieving nasal and bronchial congestion which comprises administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of (−)-pseudoephedrine to a mammal, wherein said (−)-pseudoephedrine is substantially free of (+)-pseudoephedrine. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein said method avoids a side effect related to administration of (+)-pseudoephedrine. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein said side effect is a drug interaction. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein said side effect is an interaction with an antihistamine. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  wherein said (−)-pseudoephedrine is not readily converted to (S)-methamphetamine. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  wherein said pharmaceutically effective amount is an amount of (−)-pseudoephedrine sufficient to activate an α-adrenergic receptor. 
     
     
       7. A method of dialating the pupil which comprises administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of (−)-pseudoephedrine topically to a mammal, wherein said (−)-pseudoephedrine is substantially-free of (+)-pseudoephedrine. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7  wherein said pharmaceutically effective amount is an amount of (−)-pseudoephedrine sufficient to activate an α-adrenergic receptor. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 7  wherein said method has less side effects than administration of (+)-pseudoephedrine. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9  wherein said side effect is an increase in intraocular pressure.